July 1999 |
ToxFAQs™ |
for |
n-Nitrosodi-n-propylamine |
(n-Nitrosodi-n-Propilamina) |
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This fact sheet answers the most frequently
asked health questions about n-Nitrosodi-n-propylamine.
For more information, you may call the ATSDR Information Center
at 1-888-422-8737. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries
about hazardous substances and their health effects. This
information is important because this substance may harm you.
The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend
on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits
and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.
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HIGHLIGHTS: n-Nitrosodi-n-propylamine
is a chemical produced by industry in small amounts for
research. Evidence from animal studies indicates that
it may cause cancer. This chemical has been found in at
least 1 of the 1,177 National Priorities List sites identified
by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). |
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What
is n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine? |
n-Nitrosodi-n-propylamine
is a chemical produced by industry in small amounts for research.
It is a yellow liquid at room temperature. Small amounts of
n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine are produced as a
side reaction during some manufacturing processes, as a contaminant
in some weed killers, and during the manufacture of some rubber
products.
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What
happens to n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine when it enters
the environment? |
- Low levels of n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine
could be released to the environment from contaminated products
or from disposal of waste containing this chemical.
- If released to the air, it is broken down by sunlight
within a few hours.
- Low levels of n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine
could occur in water from use of weed killers containing
it.
- It is broken down in water within a few hours.
- It evaporates from the soil surface or is broken down
by bacteria.
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How
might I be exposed to n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine? |
- People may be exposed to low levels by eating foods treated
with sodium-nitrite preservatives and by drinking certain
alcoholic beverages.
- Low levels may occur in cigarette smoke.
- Workers in the rubber industry could be exposed to n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine.
- People applying contaminated weed killers could be exposed
to low levels of the chemical.
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How
can n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine affect my health? |
No information is available on the effects
of n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine in people. Studies
in animals have shown effects on the liver, lung, stomach,
kidneys, and heart at very high doses.
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How
likely is n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine to cause cancer? |
No studies are available on whether or
not n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine causes cancer
in people. Animal studies have shown an increase in cancer
of the liver, nose, and stomach from n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine
exposure. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
has determined that n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine
may reasonably be anticipated to be a human carcinogen.
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Is
there a medical test to show whether I've been exposed to n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine? |
Samples of your blood and urine can be
tested to determine if you have been recently exposed to n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine.
These tests must be done soon after the exposure occurred.
These tests will not tell you whether your health will be
affected by n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine. The tests
are not routinely available in hospitals and clinics because
they require special equipment.
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Has the federal government made recommendations to protect human health? |
The EPA recommends that levels in lakes
and streams should be limited to 0.005 parts n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine
per billion parts of water (0.005 ppb) to prevent possible
health effects from drinking water or ingesting fish contaminated
with n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine.
The federal recommendations have been
updated as of July 1999.
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Glossary |
Carcinogen: A substance that can cause
cancer.
CAS: Chemical Abstracts Service.
Evaporate: To change into a vapor or
a gas.
National Priorities List: A list of the
nation's worst hazardous waste sites.
ppb: Parts per billion.
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References |
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (ATSDR). 1989. Toxicological Profile for n-nitrosodi-n-propylamine. Atlanta,
GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health
Service.
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Where can I get more information? |
ATSDR can tell you where to find occupational
and environmental health clinics. Their specialists can recognize,
evaluate, and treat illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous
substances. You can also contact your community or state health
or environmental quality department if you have any more questions
or concerns. For more information, contact:
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Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology
1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop F-32
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: 1-888-42-ATSDR (1-888-422-8737)
FAX: (770)-488-4178
Email: ATSDRIC@cdc.gov
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